The shellfish aquaculture business in Connecticut is getting a boost from a new federal grant. Connecticut Sea Grant at the University of Connecticut has received $269,142 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to investigate the feasibility of a new community-supported aquaculture (CSA) program at the Noank Aquaculture Cooperative in Groton.
Similar to community-supported agriculture programs, the new aquaculture program will allow local citizens to invest in an aquaculture farm prior to the production season, investing along with the farmer and, upon harvest, receiving a return of fresh, local shellfish. The grant will fund a new aquaculture extension specialist to spearhead the project.
“We see this as a way to help resolve the disconnect among consumers, food production and farmers,” says Tessa Getchis, Connecticut Sea Grant’s aquaculture extension specialist. “It will provide the community with access to fresh seafood and support the local economy.”
A study is currently underway to assess the program’s appeal to the broader community. If the program generates enough interest, it may create new jobs in Connecticut and serve as a model for other states.
Connecticut is a leading producer of shellfish, with an annual harvest valued at greater than $25 million. The major species farmed include Eastern oysters and Northern quahogs, which are produced for commercial, recreational, stock enhancement, and restoration purposes. The industry supports more than 300 jobs at private companies, municipal shellfish commissions and non-profit organizations that cultivate and harvest shellfish on nearly 77,000 acres of leased beds in Long Island Sound.
Connecticut Sea Grant, based at Avery Point in Groton, is a partnership between the University of Connecticut at and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It supports coastal and marine research, extension technology transfer, and education.
For more information:
Tessa Getchis, Connecticut Sea Grant, 860-405-9104 or Tessa.getchis@uconn.edu.
